Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns over Hardik Pandya’s recurring fitness issues, questioning the lack of clarity surrounding the all-rounder’s injuries while admitting uncertainty over whether he will still be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Hardik recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan because of an injury and has also been ruled out of India’s upcoming 50-over series against England in July. His absence has once again sparked discussions about his long-term fitness, a topic Kaif believes has never been adequately addressed.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif acknowledged Hardik’s immense value to the Indian team and described him as an irreplaceable all-rounder in the current setup. However, he admitted that the Baroda star’s injury record makes it difficult to predict how long he can continue at the highest level.“I cannot take the guarantee of him. Even I do not understand his case. He is such a big match-winner. No one is close to him as an all-rounder in the current lot. He also knows this. But his body is fragile. He was injured in 2023 as well, and after that it has not been the same. There are no talks about his injury and any proper reasons given, though. I do not know what is being said or what the official reason is. You tell me if you know. We only know through sources,” he said.Kaif also criticised the lack of communication regarding Hardik’s fitness status, arguing that supporters deserve more transparency whenever a key player is unavailable.“Fans also have the right to know exactly what has happened, and we need more transparency. This has been the case with Hardik throughout his career. There are always questions about his injury as to what has happened exactly and why he is missing out,” he added.While discussing India’s ODI squad, Kaif also weighed in on Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s omission from the team for the England series. The young opener had strengthened his case with a century in the final ODI against Afghanistan but was still left out of the 15-man squad.Kaif backed the selectors’ decision to pick Ishan Kishan instead, pointing to the wicketkeeper-batter’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple roles. He also suggested that Kishan’s current form and support from head coach Gautam Gambhir worked in his favour.“Jaiswal will play. He will be an all-format player. His time will come too. Agarkar had said they can select only 15 players, and I agree with him. We have a lot of solid players, and a few people will always miss out like this. They had to pick either Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. Kishan got the nod because he can bat in the middle as well. Jaiswal is a proper opener. And Kishan can be a backup wicket-keeper as well. Also, Gambhir wants Kishan to be there. That liking is there too. I said this the last time as well. His form is good too, so I agree with the call. Jaiswal will have to wait a bit,” Kaif stated.Despite missing out on this occasion, Kaif remains convinced that Jaiswal’s future lies across all three formats for India. For now, though, the youngster may have to remain patient as competition for places continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
